ISRO to launch record 104 satellitesSci-Tech

The Indian Space Research Organization is focusing on their next move for a commercial launch of a record 104 satellites at a single go on board.

ISRO will be launching “Polar Satellite Vehicle (PSLV-C37) from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh by Februray 15. Which will be followed by the launch of of the South Asian satellite in March this year, which is pegged as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project.

Scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) here maintain that launching the maximum number of satellites will be a technological feat. In the payload of 104 satellites, 101 will be foreign satellites, including the latest addition of a nano-satellite. Remaining three will be Indian satellites, including the Cartosat series-2D with remote sensing, high resolution camera which finds its application in defense and strategic purposes.

"Target of PSLV-C37 to launch the maximum number of satellites, tentatively on Feb 15 is not for creating a record or publicity, it is aimed at cutting the costs down. More the number of satellites launched in one mission, lesser the cost incurred. It benefits the user and is technologically a better choice," VSSC director K Sivan said. Next will the South Asian satellite planned for launch in March this year, he said.

ISRO has launched maximum 20 satellites in a single go till now and it was last year on 22nd June PSLV-C34.

In the year 2014 Russia has launched a record 37 satellites in a single mission and United States space agency NASA had launched 29 satellites in a single go.

Last week, ISRO planned to launch 83 satellites, including 80 foreign satellites, but with the additional satellites, the launch of 104 satellites, in which 101 foreign satellites are included is being planned for mid of Februray, LPSC director S Somnath said.